Branch and the second suspect had entered a hardware store at 4720 W. 103rd St. shortly after 11:30 a.m. Friday, police said. He told the store owner he had a gun and then stole more than $1,500, police said.

After the robbery, police said, Branch jumped into a waiting Chevrolet Blazer. The suspects sped through several blocks, entering Evergreen Park and later Interstate Highway 57 for a brief time before exiting, police said.

Police said Branch jumped out of the sport-utility vehicle near Olive-Harvey College, 10001 S. Woodlawn Ave. He fled into an empty classroom, where he was apprehended, police said.

Branch was scheduled to appear Monday for a bond hearing in Bridgeview court.